Archive for tag:
raynauds phenomenon

Have you made your study schedule yet for Finals? (You know they
actually start next week, right?) My schedule is somewhat made;
exams, practicals, and last minute assignments have been entered,
and from this point I just have to get busy! I'm on a brief
reprieve from the Master's, until next quarter starts (during Week
15 here), and I've had off from Acupuncture for the last 2 weeks,
so the Universe, and school, saw fit to give me some time. Of
course, I still feel behind and also am a little bit panicked (as
always happens). Right now it looks like 6 exams for me next week,
and 7 the week after that. I'm already ready, but will definitely
be more ready for a break.

Sunset at Treasure Island Beach

Last week's Cadaver Workshop was AMAZING! I was, admittedly, a
little nervous when I found out I'd be going over the musculature.
After all, other than diagrams, I hadn't been back in the lab since
I left basic sciences. And I hadn't worked on the back or limbs
since first and second tri. I'd forgotten how much I love being in
there. I suspected that would be the case, but I was actually
thrilled and surprised at how much I remembered. I loved it so
much, that I'm going back this week to do it again. We did a bit of
show and tell, and also asked questions and quizzed the students
that showed up.

We had students from the undergrad program, PA program, nursing,
and EMT at St. Pete College. I'll be interested to see who comes
this week. It's absolutely invaluable experience. It also reminded
me how much I enjoy teaching. Back in undergrad, my internship was
TA-ing biology for non-majors. THAT was an experience. It's
frustrating, sometimes, to be teaching people who aren't always
interested in what you have to discuss, or to approach things from
a manner that everyone can understand (or that encourages
clarification).

I have been planning, for about the last year, to spend at least
part of my career teaching. I'll be honest; I'm really looking
forward to it. Who wouldn't want the opportunity to geek out on a
regular basis, and get paid to do it? What would you teach?
Biochemistry? Physiology? Functional Medicine? Nutrition? Yeah, I
could really get into that. The tough part will be finding a
location that will allow me to practice, and has opportunities for
teaching.

Last week, I did a Rehab demonstration on therapies to use for
Rheumatoid Arthritis. I learned a lot in prepping for the demo --
like how the joints in RA patients can be hotter than normal, and
how heating the joint itself can be damaging (but heating the
muscle is fine). I learned how important it is to protect the joint
-- even to the point of how the patient sits. The "point of
relaxation" for the knee, for example, is full extension. This is
the position that is least likely to promote joint degeneration.
There are other positions for other joints. This week, I'm giving a
presentation on Raynaud's Phenomenon (which I've had since I was a
teenager) and therapies for treatment. I fully intend to go get my
thick wool gloves for the demonstration -- just for effect.
Although, if they continue to keep it so cold in this building,
I'll have to wear them all the time. It does make it difficult to
type and take notes.

Sunset at Treasure Island Beach

There haven't been any other events going on for the last week
or so, other than a ROCK tape seminar this weekend (that I didn't
go to). But if you remember back, not that long ago, when I
volunteered at the St. Pete Beach Classic and met Mr. Incredible, I
have something to share. Mr. Incredible found ME! Last weekend, I
received an email out of the blue, from Mr. Incredible himself, who
found the blog and wrote me. (I do answer all of the messages that
come through here, in one way or another.) He's starting on a new
adventure with his training. Feel free to check out his
blog: Superheroes on
the Run.

All right kids, have an amazing pre-finals week! Remember to
keep going to the gym, keep sleeping, and keep eating good food.
You'll be glad that you did.